Why MYSTERIES? Because that is the genre I read. Why PARADISE? Because that is where I live.
Among other things, this blog, the result of a 2008 New Year's resolution, will act as a record of books that I've read, and random thoughts.

4 August 2014

Review: THE CINDERELLA KILLER, Simon Brett

Landing a minor part in the Empire Theatre Eastbourne’s Christmas
production of Cinderella, Charles Paris soon discovers that his main
role is gently to introduce the show's baffled American star, famous
sitcom actor Kenny Polizzi, to the bizarre customs of English pantomime.

During their convivial sessions in the local pub, Charles finds himself
increasingly caught up in Polizzi’s tangled affairs as the American
fends off a vengeful soon-to-be-ex-wife, an obsessed groupie, and a
barely-controlled drink problem. But Charles is about to be far more
involved than he might wish when he stumbles across a body beneath
Eastbourne Pier, a neat bullet hole in the centre of the forehead.

As
the world’s press descends on Eastbourne, the pantomime rehearsals
descend into chaos and he himself comes under suspicion, it’s up to
Charles to put his renowned sleuthing skills to the test to find out who
really killed his fellow cast member – and why.

My Take

Until Simon Brett revived the Charles Paris series last year with
THE STRANGLING ON THE STAGE we hadn't heard from Charles for about fifteen years. He is still the loveable dipsomaniac and part time bit actor, viewing his world through the bottom of a Bell's bottle.

The books are flavoured by comedy and in this case obviously written by someone who knows his pantomimes. I find that underneath the murder mystery and comedy, Simon Brett also has the occasional serious point to make, the occasional observation of English life, what makes society tick.

This places the books on the lighter side of crime fiction, basically cozy, but very readable.